Colorado Primary Election Voter FAQs

Who can Vote in Colorado's 2026 Primary Election

Colorado's primary election is this June, and Election Day is June 30, 2026. If you're registered to vote in Colorado as part of a party who is holding a primary, or if you are an unaffiliated voter, you can participate. Here's everything you need to know.

When is Colorado's 2026 primary election?

Ballots mail out across Colorado on June 8, 2026. The deadline to return your ballot or vote in-person is 7 p.m. on June 30, 2026. Mail your ballot back, drop it in a dropbox or vote in-person at a vote center. Postmarks do not count as a return date, so to be safe, after June 22 don’t mail your ballot. It may not arrive in time.

Unaffiliated voter rules in Colorado. Can unaffiliated voters vote in the Colorado primary?

Yes. The unaffiliated voter rules in Colorado are that if you're unaffiliated, you'll receive ballots for the Democrat and Republican primaries. If you want to vote in the Unity party’s primary you can request a ballot at a vote center or by contacting your County Clerk. If you’d like to vote in the Libertarian primary you must affiliate as a Libertarian. Choose which party's primary you want to vote in and return just one ballot. If you return more than one, none of them will count.

If you're registered as a Democrat, you'll receive a Democratic primary ballot. If you're registered as a Republican, you'll receive a Republican primary ballot. etc.

Can I still register to vote?

Yes.You can register to vote at any time in Colorado, including on Election Day at www.GoVoteColorado.gov. If you want a ballot mailed to you, you’ll need to be registered by June 22. If you register after that, you’ll need to vote in person.

When do Colorado primary ballots arrive?

Colorado ballots start to mail out on June 8. All registered voters in Colorado receive a ballot by mail to the address on their voter registration. If you do not receive a ballot check your registration at www.GoVoteColorado.gov to be sure your address is up to date. You can also sign up for messages about the status of your ballot at BallotTrax.coloradosos.gov. That can tell you where your ballot is in the election process, including when it’s been sent and counted.

When do drop boxes and vote centers open for the Colorado primary?

Drop boxes open June 8. Vote centers open in phases starting June 22 for in-person voting and registration. Both are available for the State Primary Election through 7 p.m. on Election Day, June 30.

Can I change my party affiliation?

Yes, you can change your party affiliation. If you are already affiliated with a party, the deadline to change your affiliation and vote with a different party is June 8. If you are unaffiliated, there is no deadline to affiliate. Go to www.GoVoteColorado.gov to change your registration and affiliate with a different party.

How do I return my ballot?

You have three options:

Mail it. Your ballot comes with a return envelope. Stamp it, and mail it back. Ballots must be received by June 30, not just postmarked. If it's after June 22, use a drop box instead.

Drop it off. Drop boxes open June 8 and are available through 7 p.m. on June 30. Find your nearest drop box.

Vote in person. Vote centers open June 22. You can register, get a ballot, and vote all in one trip. Find your nearest vote center.

Do I need ID to vote in Colorado?

Review the Secretary of State’s voter ID requirements here.

Are there accessible voting options?

Yes, voters with disabilities can use Colorado's secure electronic system to vote independently. Visit myballot.coloradosos.gov starting June 8 to access your ballot.

What if I need a multilingual ballot?

Voter assistance hotlines are available in multiple languages, including ASL, Spanish, and Arabic. If you need interpretation services, you can call the Secretary of State’s office at 303-860-6970 

(Fun fact: I was the author of the law that created this service.)

What about the general election?

The general election is November 3, 2026. Ballots for that election mail on October 9.